The Rival's Playlist

Chapter 3: First Rehearsal Disaster

The next day, Luna arrived at the Crestwood Academy music hall precisely at 2:55 PM because punctuality mattered. The rehearsal space was one of the finest in the city, with high ceilings, perfect acoustics, and a grand piano that had been played by some of the greatest musicians in history.

She took a deep breath, pushing back her lingering frustration. This was about professionalism. She would approach this duet the same way she approached every challenge,with precision, discipline, and control.

At exactly 3:00 PM, she glanced at the door. No sign of Jace.

By 3:05, she was drumming her fingers against the piano bench.

By 3:10, her patience had run out.

The door swung open at 3:13 and strolled Jace Ryder completely unbothered.

“Hey, princess. Miss me?”

Luna shot up from her seat, arms crossed. “You’re late.”

Jace shrugged. “You’re early.” He dropped his guitar case on the floor, stretching. “Relax. Five minutes won’t kill you.”

“Eight.” She narrowed her eyes. “And it’s unprofessional.”

Jace smirked. “You ever tried being less uptight? Might be good for you.”

Luna exhaled sharply, reminding herself that murder was illegal.

Professor Sinclair entered before she could reply, carrying a folder. “Ah, both of you are here. Good. Let’s begin.”

Luna immediately straightened. “Do we have the sheet music for our piece?”

Jace scoffed. “Sheet music? That’s cute.”

Luna’s eyes snapped to him. “Excuse me?”

Jace leaned against his amplifier. “I don’t play with sheet music. I play by ear.”

Luna nearly choked. “You… don’t read music?”

Jace grinned. “Oh, I can. I just don’t need to.”

Luna turned to the professor, completely horrified. “How am I supposed to work with someone who won’t even follow a score?”

Professor Sinclair chuckled. “That’s for the two of you to figure out.”

Jace plucked a few random notes on his guitar. “What’s the song, anyway?”

Luna opened the folder and placed the sheet music on the piano stand. “A contemporary-classical fusion piece. It requires synchronization between piano and guitar.”

Jace skimmed the notes, then shook his head. “Yeah, no. This won’t work.”

Luna’s jaw clenched. “Excuse me?”

Jace grabbed his guitar and played a rough, more aggressive version of the opening melody, completely changing the rhythm. “See? Sounds better with more energy.”

Luna stood abruptly. “That is not what’s written.”

Jace grinned. “Exactly. It’s called making it better.”

Luna inhaled sharply, reminding herself that she had patience. “Music is meant to be followed, Jace. If you don’t respect the composition, what’s the point?”

Jace leaned closer, resting his forearms on the piano. “And if you don’t feel the music, what’s the point of playing it at all?”

Their gazes locked, two completely different worlds colliding.

Professor Sinclair observed them with amusement. “Clearly, this will take some time.” He stood. “Your first official performance is in four weeks. I suggest you find a way to make this work. Otherwise, you’ll both be disqualified.”

Luna tensed. She could not afford to lose.

Jace, however, just stretched, completely unbothered. “Guess we better start practicing, huh?”

Luna exhaled sharply. This was going to be impossible.

And yet, as much as she hated to admit it…

She had a feeling this was only the beginning of the chaos.